Managing Online Screen Time | Finding Balance | Netsafe

Effective screen time management for families

Start with modelling behaviour

Children learn best by observing their parents. Demonstrating appropriate screen time behaviours is an effective way for young people to understand its impact. Before addressing concerns about your children’s screen time, consider the effects of your own screen usage.

How much time is too much time online?

The news often highlights the negative effects of spending time online. But is screen time always detrimental?

While there are no official guidelines for adults (unlike for children), several blogs suggest a two-hour limit for adult screen time outside of work and study.

Research indicates that connecting with friends or engaging in creative tasks online can be positive. If you feel unhappy or notice a negative impact on other aspects of your life due to the time spent online, consider ways to reduce it.

Questions to consider

How are you spending your time online?

Many online activities can be beneficial and help develop new skills, connect with friends, or enhance critical thinking.

Is your online time affecting other parts of your life?

If it interferes with family or friends, disrupts sleep, or hinders study, it may be time to manage it better.

How do you feel after spending time online?

Positive feelings are a good sign, but if you feel upset, frustrated, bored, or irritated, it might be wise to cut down.

child in bed on phone while parents sleep

Children's screen time

Explore the benefits and potential risks linked to screen time. Research suggests that while excessive screen time can cause harm, the definition of “too much” varies between children. It's more about how they use their devices rather than the duration.

Guidelines and recommendations

World Health Organisation (WHO):  Recommends no more than one hour of screen time per day for children under three years due to concerns about sedentary behaviour.
Active engagement:  Active engagement with technology is more beneficial than passive watching, visit Brainwave Trust(https://brainwave.org.nz/article/tamariki-technology-insights-from-the-research/) for more information.

Impact of screen time on children

Potential risks of overexposure:

Blue light from screens can affect sleep cycles.
Excessive passive screen time may weaken communication and social skills.
Children spending more than two hours a day on screens may score lower on language and thinking tests.
Screen-based entertainment can increase central nervous system arousal, amplifying anxiety.
Reduced physical activity due to sedentary screen use can lead to poor lifestyle habits.

Benefits of screen time:

Online games and activities enhances teamwork and creativity.
Access to a wealth of information online enhances knowledge.
Interaction with computers improves visual intelligence and hand-eye coordination.
Technology can support social connections, especially for children who struggle offline.
Academic performance tends to be better in households with computers.

father and son on separate devices sitting together

Supporting children and young people

Understand their online activities

Discuss what they use digital technology for to better comprehend their screen time habits. Consider the age and stage of your children to decide on appropriate limits.

Key considerations for families:

Types of screens in your home.
Family screen habits.
Screen time management for children.
Family rules about device use.
Personal phone usage rules.
Child’s reaction to your phone use.
Use of devices as “babysitters.”
Screen use during meal times.

Encourage self-management

Teach older children to manage their own screen time. Topics to discuss include their daily screen time, recognising when they’ve been online too long, feelings after excessive use, and the benefits of offline activities.

Set boundaries

Establish boundaries similar to those for bedtimes, chores, or driving. This is easier if introduced when a child first gets a device. Older children may need an open discussion about changes. Modelling good screen habits yourself is also crucial.

Support and solutions:

Use internet content filtering tools and safe search settings to prevent access to unsuitable content and to limit screen time for younger children.
As they grow, explore parental controls on devices or at the router/modem level, use services like OpenDNS, or change Wi-Fi passwords periodically, granting access only after chores or homework are completed.

Tips for reducing online time

Scheduling:  Online games and platforms are designed to keep you engaged. Set up a schedule for your screen time and use alarms to keep track and encourage breaks.
Implement tools:  Some social media platforms have tools to monitor your online time and set alarms. For Instagram, go to “Settings” > “Your activity”. On Facebook, go to “Settings & Privacy” > “Your time on Facebook”.
Change device settings:  Disable push notifications, switch to greyscale mode, move distracting apps off your home screen, and download screen time monitoring apps to help decrease usage.
Respond in your own time:  It's okay to reply when you are ready. Change your settings to hide activity status if needed. Change the “show activity status” in your Instagram settings under “Privacy” > “Activity Status” or turn off “Active Status” in Facebook Messenger settings by clicking on your icon in the top left of the screen.
Buddy up:  Reducing screen time can be easier with a friend. Encourage a friend to join you in cutting down screen time.
Leave devices outside the bedroom:  Use an alarm clock and keep your phone out of the bedroom to reduce nightly screen time.
Try offline activities:  Engaging in new offline activities can provide a refreshing break from screens.